As the race to see who will become the next New York City mayor enters its final days, Andrew Cuomo picked up two more endorsements from prominent Democrat-aligned political figures in the state — including one who used to run the city.
Long Island Congressman Tom Suozzi endorsed the former governor, who is running as an independent.
“I’m a Democratic Capitalist, not a Democratic Socialist. I endorse Andrew Cuomo. I can not back a declared socialist with a thin resume to run the most complex city in America,” Suozzi wrote on X Wednesday afternoon.
Later in the day, a former NYC mayor doubled down on a previous endorsement of Cuomo he gave before the Democratic primary in June. Michael Bloomberg, who served as mayor from 2002-2013, touted Cuomo’s “management experience and government know-how” that set him apart from the other candidates: Democrat Zohran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
“Being Mayor of New York City is the second toughest job in America, and the next mayor will face immense challenges,” said Bloomberg in a post on X. “Andrew Cuomo has the experience and toughness to stand up for New Yorkers and get things done.”
In a press release, Cuomo welcomed Bloomberg’s endorsement, saying it was “an honor to have the support of a mayor who knows firsthand what it takes to run this city.”
Other powerful Democrats in the state have thrown their support behind Mamdani, the Democratic nominee. That includes Gov. Kathy Hochul, and as of Oct. 24, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has not made an endorsement in the race.
Mamdani picked up something of a surprise endorsement from the United Bodegas of America on Wednesday, as the president of the organization sidestepped his past concerns about the city-owned grocery stores Mamdani has said he plans to bring to each borough.
Early voting got underway Saturday and has seen high turnout almost every single day. Another 74,000 ballots were cast Wednesday, matching Tuesday’s turnout. Despite a dip in turnout Monday, the high activity each of the other days has lead to more than 372,000 votes thus far — which would be about four times the amount through five days of early voting in 2021.
Brooklyn has had the highest turnout thus far, with more than 117,000 voters participating. Manhattan has seen 111,000 votes cast, and Queens has had more than 85,000. The Bronx (30,000) and Staten Island (27,000) had seen the lowest turnout for early voting.